I am working towards re-acquiring an FSQ-85EDX I used to own, and seeing as I just made a significant outlay in another hobby of mine, I need to sell this classic.
Included:
1990 production Takahashi FC-76 fluorite doublet (rear mounted fluorite element), fitted with MEF-3 dual speed focuser attachment. Takahashi "man hole" cast objective cover is included, though not imaged here.
Takahashi FC-76 CAA (camera angle adjuster). Invaluable for imaging, and VERY worthwhile for visual as you can rotate the diagonal/EP to any comfortable angle you wish with it.
Takahashi visual back with 1.25" clamp (no diagonal or EP included)
Takahashi FC-76/FS-78 focal reducer/flattener. THIS IS NOT USABLE FOR VISUAL! (unless you go straight through and use a VERY short focal length EP)
NOTE: the rings, dovetail plate and rail clamp shown in the pictures are NOT included, though I can include a set of high Parallax rings to suit. Additionally, the finder and finder stalk are NOT included.
Price:
Complete package: $2050 inc. Pack and Send courier delivery
Scope only - NO REDUCER - $1600 inc. Pack and Send courier delivery
Scope only - NO REDUCER OR CAA - $1500 inc. Pack and Send courier delivery
Herein is US astronomy writer Ed Ting's comments on the FC-76 (source:
http://www.scopereviews.com/page1e.html)
Takahashi FC76 (76 mm f/8 air-spaced doublet refractor with fluorite element, OTA only, NLA) (Replaced by FS78, $1495 US list[EDIT: that's the 2014 update price]) Although this scope has a mere 6 mm more aperture than the Ranger/Pronto duo, its performance is in another league altogether. In both optical quality and size, it thinks it's a 4" APO. Images were tack sharp and its optics had virtually perfect spherical correction. False color is almost non-existant, though you have to remember that at only 76 mm, it doesn't really gather enough light to throw up a huge secondary spectrum.
The 3" refractor that thinks it's a 4" -- Takahashi's FC76
Views of Jupiter and Saturn rivaled those of my FS102. The views are slightly dimmer, but the scope throws up an amazingly detailed image on the Jovian planet. Six to eight belts and a shadow transit were easily visible despite moderate seeing conditions. As hinted above, however, this is not a small scope (nor a cheap one!) Its dew shield is huge, and the buttery-smooth focuser appears to be the same unit as on my FS102. You could easily fool someone into thinking it was a 4". Also, the tube comes without a finder - this is important to note, since Takahashi's finders are pricey and use a weird metric mounting plate; plan accordingly. Also, depending on the version you get, you might have difficulty coupling the Tak tube ring to your mount. Wonderful scope. Replaced by the FS78, which adds 2 mm of aperture and has the fluorite element in front. The FC76/FS78 may be the ideal second scope for someone who already owns a high-quality SCT or big Dob.
I fully reiterate Ed's comments. I was impressed with my FS78...until I got this FC76 which is noticeably sharper.
